A new wave of fraudulent schemes is targeting university students, with scammers relying on fake job offers, housing scams, and too-good-to-be-true opportunities to trick their victims, according to a recent investigative report from the United States. The trend, which has left nearly half of surveyed youth susceptible to financial loss, serves as a wake-up call for Thai university students preparing for term start and internship application season, as such scams are showing up globally, including Southeast Asia (WXYZ).
The surge in digital scams matters to Thais for several reasons: the nation’s digital literacy rates among the youth are rapidly evolving, and international studies consistently show that students, eager for work, scholarships, or accommodation, are prime targets. The booming popularity of part-time jobs, study abroad programs, and a competitive rental market near Thai universities provide ample opportunities for fraudsters to manipulate students through impersonation, fake documents, and sophisticated phishing techniques.
The worldwide research, conducted by the Better Business Bureau’s 2024 Scam Risk Survey, highlights that 44% of individuals aged 18–24 fell victim or were at high risk of falling victim to such scams, with an average loss of $155 (about 5,500 baht). Thai students are no exception, with recent cases reported on university campuses in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Typical scam tactics include posing as professors seeking research assistants, housing agents with attractive rooms for rent, or HR managers promising lucrative internships—all orchestrated via emails, social media, or even LinkedIn, mirroring patterns seen in the US study.
University students interviewed for the study described how seemingly legitimate opportunities initially lured them in. “They have offers that are too good to be true and I have no idea how they got my information,” said a third-year student at a major US university. A sophomore at another institution admitted to nearly engaging with a fake job opportunity that mimicked the formats and language style of official university communications. “A lot of the ones that I get—you’ll get a message from someone on LinkedIn,” said a student, echoing concerns that trusted online platforms are now common channels for scammers.
Cybersecurity experts warn that digital impersonation is at the root of many of these scams. A leading professor in computer information and technology from the University of Michigan said, “They are trying to impersonate whoever you would trust and give money to. Anywhere where there is a financial transaction possible or involved, that’s a good target for scammers.” His advice: “Be skeptical. Don’t click. Be smarter than the scammers.”
For Thai students, the risks are equally real. With the widespread use of social media apps such as Line, Facebook, and TikTok for communicating with peers and prospective employers, students may unwittingly expose themselves to phishing—where scammers mimic university HR departments or well-known apartment agents, then ask for deposits, personal information, or even bank account details. In 2024, news outlets reported several Thai university students scammed out of their dormitory deposits after responding to fake Facebook Marketplace advertisements (Bangkok Post).
The situation is complicated by the digital skills gap. Many Thai learners, especially those from rural backgrounds or first-generation university students, may lack formal training on cyber-hygiene. In a 2024 survey by the Thai Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, nearly 30% of university students admitted to opening suspicious links or providing information on unofficial platforms, believing the communication was authentic due to the use of Thai language and the inclusion of official logos.
Thailand’s cultural context may further heighten students’ vulnerability. A traditional respect for authority and institutions means that communications from anyone claiming to represent a university, scholarship fund, or respected organization are less likely to be questioned. This is fertile ground for scammers impersonating professors, university staff, or scholarship panels—posing as someone in a position of respect and trust.
Authorities and higher education institutions have sounded the alarm. University student affairs offices have issued warnings advising students to verify all job and housing offers through official campus portals (Chulalongkorn University Announcement). Student union leaders have hosted briefings on “red flag” messages, while the Thai police’s Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau has increased efforts to trace and disrupt scam operations.
Historically, Thai students have contended with various types of scams, from fake exam result leaks to scholarship frauds. Today, technological advances have amplified the scope and speed of malicious offers: AI-generated emails, professionally designed fake websites, and deepfake videos are blurring the boundary between authentic and fraudulent offers. Reports indicate that even seasoned students sometimes struggle to distinguish fraudulent offers from legitimate ones.
The future could see the emergence of even more sophisticated scams targeted specifically at Thai youth, particularly as more students utilize mobile devices for every stage of their academic and social lives. With the anticipated introduction of advanced AI tools in fraud, and the further globalization of the digital workforce, education, and travel opportunities, experts warn that vigilance must be part of every young person’s digital toolkit.
Practically, Thai students are urged to develop a “trust but verify” mindset. Key recommendations include:
- Always double-check job, housing, or scholarship offers through university-sanctioned channels or in person with the relevant department.
- Look for red flags such as requests for money up front, poorly written communications, “urgent response” demands, or requests for personal data.
- Never click unfamiliar links or download attachments from unknown senders; instead, independently verify the offer by contacting official university or agency contacts.
- Attend cyber-hygiene workshops offered by universities, regularly update passwords, and be cautious about what is shared on public and private channels.
- Consult with student support offices or the National Cyber Security Agency if a suspicious offer is encountered.
As one student in the US survey wisely said: “Question everything 100 percent… Even if it isn’t a scam, fact check and do your research.” A similar approach resonates with the Thai proverb, “ระวังไม้ลื่น” (beware of slippery wood)—a call for caution and cleverness to avoid pitfalls.
With the digital landscape rapidly transforming, Thai students must enhance their cyber-awareness, protect personal data, and foster communities that share information on emerging threats. Parents and educators also play a critical role in setting expectations about safe online behavior. Only through collective vigilance can the next generation anticipate, identify, and defend against online scams.
For further information and to explore recent stories on digital security in Thailand’s universities, readers are encouraged to consult campus advisories, the Bangkok Post’s coverage of digital threats, and the National Cyber Security Agency’s website.